An Inexpensive DLP Projector

My main beef with DLP projectors has been their high price, a problem that Optoma Technology has addressed by introducing its H30 Digital Cinema Projector at $1395, making it the first home-theater DLP unit with such a low initial price. Just last year, DLP projectors cost well over $2000.

At this appealing price, the H30 definitely makes some compromises, as you might expect. The product has a native resolution of 800 by 600, while more-expensive projectors commonly have XGA resolution (1024 by 768). If you care only about watching DVDs, the lower resolution won't matter, because most DVDs are burned in 720 by 480 resolution. A higher-resolution product will display HDTV better, but the H30 is compatible with HDTV, and the HD signals that I watched on the H30 looked great.

I found the projector's lens hood too shallow. The design permitted a small amount of light spillage to appear about 3 feet above images, on the ceiling. I jury-rigged a paper cone around the hood to kill the excess light, but this light might not bother you.

The H30 delivered an attractive, minimally pixelated image that required little adjustment. Both zooming and focusing worked smoothly, and other controls were well designed. I found the H30's fan noise--a factor any smart projector buyer should worry about--acceptable.

If, like me, you intend to use a digital projector for watching DVD movies rather than for viewing standard television or HDTV, the H30 is a bargain.

Ramon G. McLeod

Optoma Technology H30 Digital Cinema Projector

Budget DLP home theater projector cuts a few corners but is still a bargain.
Price when reviewed: $1395
Current prices, if available.